Drawing on Walls: A-OK at the Crayola Factory

Published Feb 7, 2013 at 2:48 PM

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Eau de crayon is one of the most recognizable scents, even for adults. They're also a simple and cost-effective way to bring out a child's (OK, or grownup's) inner artist.

Admit it, you still buy crayons along with that Precious Moments coloring book to relax... OK, maybe that's just us (refrain from ever telling anyone that). We know we'll never be as good as this guy.

Regardless, you probably get why, as a culture, we're pretty fond of 'em. And the Crayola Factory (30 Centre Square Easton, Penn., about 200 miles north of D.C.) helps explain what makes a crayon so iconic.

The Crayola Factory isn't actually a manufacturing plant, but a museum and visitor center for the public -- although the real factory is just next door.

The discovery center inside showcases the manufacturing process of crayons -- one of the only places in the world to see them made the same way that they've been since 1903.

You'll also find more than a dozen exhibits to explore, including the Crayola Hall of Fame (retired crayon colors); Inside Out, where kids (cough, anyone) can draw on the walls), and Crayola After Dark, where kids can use light wands on the wall to create glowing designs.

Don't miss the Crayola Carousel or the World's Largest Crayon, either. The largest crayon ever made consists of melted blue crayon bits sent into the factory from kids all over the U.S.

Exhibits and projects are changed quarterly so visitors have something new to look forward to every time. The factory is currently closed, but reopens again for the winter/spring season on Sunday, Jan. 14. It'll be open Tues.-Fri. 9:30 a.m-3 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday noon-5 p.m. (Try to go early -- the best experience is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m)..